“Thanks. It’s been fun. It hardly seems like work when there’s music involved.”
“Jenna sings beautifully,” Liz said. “I keep pushing her to record her music and go for a record deal. She’s resisting me.”
Jenna waved her hand. “I’m happy where I am, staying an amateur.”
“Now I’m really curious,” Haven said. “I’m going to have to stop at your club and hear you sing.”
“You’re welcome anytime.”
Their waitress came by and took drink orders.
“Just sparkling water for me,” Liz said. “I’m the designated driver tonight.”
They decided on a bottle of cabernet to share and a couple of appetizers as well.
“I hear you’re profiling Trevor Shay,” Tara said. “That must be interesting. I know Mick has talked about playing against him in football. He’s quite the athlete.”
“He’s definitely interesting. We’ve captured a lot of him on film and I haven’t run out of interview questions for him yet.”
“Haven’s actually known him for a lot of years. They went to the same college, and her parents were his dorm parents,” Alicia said.
“Oh, really?” Jenna said. “So you’re friends with him. That probably helps.”
“It has.”
Their waitress brought the wine and poured for everyone. It was incredible, and Haven felt immediately more relaxed after a few sips.
“Or are you and Trevor more than friends yet?” Liz asked with a waggle of her brow.
“Oh, is there something going on between the two of you?” Tara asked.
“Liz,” Alicia said. “You’re such a busybody.”
“That’s me, honey. Always up in everyone’s business. But that night we were all together at your place, Alicia, I definitely saw some sparks when Trevor and Haven looked at each other. I’m just doing follow-up.”
“I have . . . no comment,” Haven said, returning Liz’s smile over the rim of her wineglass.
“I think that means yes,” Jenna said.
Haven should have been uncomfortable with the line of questioning. But actually, she enjoyed it, liked the ease and camaraderie with these women. They weren’t mean-spirited, they were fun and genuinely curious. And God, she liked having women friends to talk to.
They ordered dinner, and she loved that everyone selected something different. She was going to enjoy seeing their food.
“Mick’s got three road games in a row,” Tara said as she took a bite of her salad. “Which means I’m going to have to rely on Mom to help me with Sam. Thank God I have her. If we hadn’t made the move to come back here, I don’t know what I would have done. I have to deal with my business, which is picking up a lot, and I love having the little guy, but now that Nathan is off at college, I’m kind of on my own when Mick is out of town.”
Tara shifted to look at Haven. “Nathan is my other son. I had him when I was very young, well before I met Mick. So yes, I have one kid in college, plus a toddler. I know, it sounds insane.”
Haven grinned. “It sounds like a beautiful family. You’re very lucky.”
“Thanks. I feel that way. Crazy sometimes, but still, so happy.” Tara turned back to Liz. “Anyway, I’m kind of on my own when Mick is out of town.”
“I know what you mean,” Liz said. “Since Genevieve arrived, it’s been great, but I’m still on maternity leave. As soon as I go back to work—which will be all too soon for my liking—I’m going to have to give serious thought to hiring a nanny.” She finished that off by scrunching her nose.
“You know Gavin’s mom will be happy to help out,” Tara said. “She’s offered to babysit.”
“I know she has, but she’s already watching Sam, and I don’t want to burden her with an infant. Besides, Genevieve is a handful. To burden her with an infant when she’s already watching a toddler? I don’t know.”
“Uncle Jimmy can deal with Sam while Aunt Kathleen takes care of the baby,” Alicia said. “I think they could do it.”
“They could, and they wouldn’t balk. I’ll have to talk to Gavin about it. Plus, he’ll be available to watch the baby once baseball season is over with, but that’s only a few months.”
“And babies need consistency,” Jenna said. Then she shrugged. “Or at least that’s what I’ve heard. Since I’m not a mom, I’m just offering useless advice.”